Are you a runner? With summer heat soon to be hitting Phoenix as well as the rest of the country, you may be wanting to move your training sessions indoors. And even if you’re not a runner, if you’re looking to increase your cardio workouts, working on an elliptical or treadmill can help you improve your cardiovascular health, while also improve your running. But, which piece of equipment is your best choice? Which ever you choose, each can provide benefits. Here’s the differences between ellipticals and treadmills.
Elliptical Trainers
- Ellipticals provides an upright, non-impact form of aerobic exercise
- Non-weight bearing exercise means low impact on the joints of the lower extremity, including hips, knees, and ankles
- The exercise motion is similar to running, more so than other modes of cross-training equipment such as cycling or swimming
Treadmills
- Treadmills imitate a true running motion, with a belt that propels you forward (unlike outdoor running)
- Especially if the treadmill has an orthopedic belt, treadmills can actually lower the impact on your joints over running outdoors
- Treadmills can simulate hill and speed workouts
When training for your sport of choice — in this case running — it’s best to stay as close to the activity as possible. Because of this, if your a runner and your training requires you to get your mileage in, the treadmill is the probably the best piece of cardio equipment for your workout needs. But, if you’re a new runner, or you’re already doing quite a bit of outdoor running and you want to maintain or increase your fitness in the short term, you may want to use an elliptical as a cross-training tool. And, if your recovering from a running injury, the low-impact benefits of an elliptical may make it a better choice for you.
For more information about buying a treadmill or elliptical for your Phoenix area home, contact Fitness 4 Home Superstore today and we’ll be happy to match you up with the perfect piece of equipment. We have locations near you – our Scottsdale Superstore, Camelback Superstore, or I-10 Superstore.
